NHL franchise values soaring, according to Forbes ranking

James van Riemsdyk, Jonathan Bernier

Darren Calabrese / Associated Press

Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk and goalie Jonathan Bernier celebrate after the Maple Leafs' 5-2 win over the Lightning on Nov. 20. According to Forbes, the Maple Leafs are the most valuable NHL franchise, worth an estimated $1.3 billion.

Toronto forward James van Riemsdyk and goalie Jonathan Bernier celebrate after the Maple Leafs' 5-2 win over the Lightning on Nov. 20. According to Forbes, the Maple Leafs are the most valuable NHL franchise, worth an estimated $1.3 billion. (Darren Calabrese / Associated Press)

Kings the 10th most valuable NHL franchise at $580 million, according to Forbes

The average value of the NHL’s 30 franchises rose to a record $490 million over the past year, and three franchises reached or topped the $1-billion mark, according to data published Tuesday by Forbes.

The Kings were ranked 10th at a value of $580 million, up 29% from a year ago. Their 2013-14 operating income was put at $21.4 million. The Ducks were ranked 18th, with a value of $365 million, up 22% over a year ago, with an estimated 2013-14 operating loss of $3.7 million.

Representatives of the Kings and Ducks declined to comment on the Forbes valuations. The NHL usually disputes the magazine's valuations the basis that Forbes doesn't have access to teams' complete financial data.